Akemi Matsubuchi Guest Speaker

Akemi Matsubuchi
Article written by Maureen Ames, IACC Member

At the September 14, 2017 meeting, we were treated to guest speaker Akemi Matsubuchi. As a professional photographer for over 25 years and an instructor at NAIT, she is more than qualified to speak about "Critiquing Images."

Akemi stressed that the vocabulary and tone of a critique are important. Feedback makes us vulnerable, and a critique should be a learning process. She shared a couple of catch phrases that could be used to lead into comments that may be interpreted as being critical: 'room for opportunity,' and 'moving forward.'

Akemi also described the four parts of a critique that are noteworthy:

impact
composition
technical quality
presentation.

The goal of a critique is to help a photographer learn and grow. It points out what the photographer is doing well, and what he/she could try differently.

Akemi packed a lot of information into a short presentation.
I know we all look forward to learning more from her in
the future.

Further Details about Four Parts of a Critque

Impact
Carefully interpret topics within a shared culture

does the image grab or hold attention?
is the image telling us something beyond the obvious; e.g., a story/visual information/uniqueness
can the viewer understand the image and the message without the use of words?
is the image inspiring/creative?
did the image maker think outside the box?
does it address the theme?

Composition

is there a centre of interest/emphasis?
is there a flow to the composition?
does it include elements/principles of design?

Technical Quality
Consider form/shape/depth/texture/direction/mood & emotion

lighting – is there dimension using light?
does the chosen lighting style ‘fit’ the image?
is there an accurate or artistic use of colour?
if using selective depth of field, is the chosen focus point ideal?
did the camera angle and lens selection make it an interesting image?

Presentation
“Says” something about your value of the image

does the mat style and colour fit the image?
are the cuts clean and is the matting straight?
does it add value to the image?
did the image maker show a high level of skill in post-processing?

"A photographer’s growth, both technical and artistic, is a lifelong pursuit. An essential part of growth is the giving and receiving of feedback. Both these parts can be intimidating and a few tips of how to navigate these landmines are starting points for a healthy dialogue around image critiquing." - Akemi Matsubuchi

Website: www.matsubuchi.ca
Facebook: Akemi Matsubuchi Photography - https://www.facebook.com/akemimatsubuchiphotography/
Linked In: Akemi Matsubuchi - https://www.linkedin.com/in/akemi-matsubuchi-27a2b330/

Akemi also shared a link for creative inspiration (for those who like travel and like photographing people) and it speaks to how intent is so important in creating images: https://petapixel.com/2016/10/29/vulnerability-key-great-art/

Workshop presented by Akemi (Oct 5)

Akemi Matsubuchi: Guest Speaker